Legislature takes on head injury issue

Thursday

Mar 22, 2012 at 2:00 AM

AUGUSTA — The Maine Legislature recently gave final passage to a bill to protect student athletes from head injuries. The bill nearly passed into law in 2011 but was sent back to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee for additional work.

AUGUSTA — The Maine Legislature recently gave final passage to a bill to protect student athletes from head injuries. The bill nearly passed into law in 2011 but was sent back to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee for additional work.

"I'm thrilled to see this bill has finally passed after getting sidelined last year," said Rep. Don Pilon, D-Saco, who introduced the measure last year. "Maine parents and student athletes will now have the critical protections to ensure a simple head injury doesn't result in deadly repercussions."

The Education committee used Pilon's bill as a basis to craft a new measure this year, which passed with unanimous support. The bill, LD 1873, directs the Commissioner of Education to propose a model policy for schools on the management of concussive and other head injuries in school activities and athletics. It requires schools to develop a policy and begin implementing it in the 2013-2014 school-years.

Pilon said, "The bill ensures our schools have clear protocol to prevent kids from going back onto the field, or into the classroom, before they're ready."

The bill had strong support from the National Football League. During the public hearing, NFL Hall of Famer and former New England Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett came to testify in support of the measure.

The League thanked both Pilon and the Senate Education Committee Chair Sen. Brian Langley, R- Hancock.

"The NFL congratulates Sen. Langley and Rep. Pilon for their leadership on youth sports safety," said Jeff Miller, NFL vice president of government affairs and public policy. "When this bill is signed into law, it will be a victory for youth athletes and their families throughout Maine."

Thirty states have passed laws similar to LD 1873.

The bill will now be sent to the Governor for his signature.

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